Friday, August 19, 2011

Long days, short years

"The days are long, but the years are short."

You've heard that. But you don't believe it, do you?

Maybe you want a child more than anything else on earth. Your heart aches as, month after month, you read the negative pregnancy tests. You can't imagine when you'll get to welcome a child into your home.

Maybe you're pregnant. Your back aches from carrying a baby for these long months. You can't get comfortable, you can't sleep, and you can't imagine going through labor and delivery.

Maybe you have a newborn. Your eyes ache from constant watchfulness over your infant and long nights without enough sleep. You rock and pat and soothe and you can't imagine that you'll ever be able to spend the whole night in your own bed.

Maybe you have a toddler. Your arms ache from picking up a crying child multiple times a day. You do everything you can to get your cranky little one to take a nap, and you can't imagine having a few hours all to yourself.Maybe you have a preschooler. Your legs ache from running after your busy little one; your throat aches from answering 576 questions every day. You are amazed at how much of a mess one small child can make, and you can't imagine having a clean house.

Maybe you have a child in school. Your head aches from driving carpool and helping with homework and working on projects and producing bake-sale treats at the last minute. You can't imagine having just one schedule to coordinate.

I know you don't believe it. But it's true, I promise you. And before you know it, you'll be sitting in the section marked "Parents" and you'll watch him graduate. Then, before you can blink, you'll be taking him to college.

As I send my first back for her second year of college this weekend, and as my second starts filling out college applications this week, I shout a loud AMEN to your post, Richella. The early years did not go quickly for me--those were the looonnng days. But the high school years? Where have they gone? And college? Even faster!

It is so funny how slow the days can seem, but time just seems to fly right by too! I have a hard time grasping the fact that my baby is almost 3! I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when they are going off to college! Great post Richella!

Our only child, a wonderful son, is at his first full day of kindergarten today. I can't believe 5 years have gone by so quickly! Richella, your blog and posts are a wonderful reminder to live, love and enjoy every minute of every day. Thank you for sharing your heart.Susan

So true!!! I am holding on to my last one with both hands...feet...anything that will keep him with me;)! It goes by way to fast!!! Being my children's mother is the best thing I have ever done! I love them more than words can say.

you sure know how to say it! snet my kiddos off to high school, one for the 1st time & one for the "last." once you send them to that building time seems to speed up and life is in fast forward! i know i don't have to tell you...

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Child of God, apprentice to Jesus, wife of a great guy, and mom of three wonderful sons, I'm a blessed and profoundly grateful woman. I'm also a writer and speaker, and I serve on the Ministry Team and Board of Directors of Renovaré, a ministry dedicated to Christian spiritual formation.

I love blogs for the glimpses they provide into people's lives, so my blog gives you a glimpse into my life--my home, my family, my faith. My prayer is that this blog might impart some grace to you.